Rotation rate sensor with uncoupled mutually perpendicular primary and secondary oscillations

ABSTRACT

A rotational rate gyroscope ( 100 ) for detecting rotation thereof comprises a base member ( 102 ), a primary oscillator ( 106 ) supported by its primary oscillator suspension ( 104 ) so as to be movable with respect to the base member ( 102 ), and a secondary oscillator ( 114 ) supported by a secondary oscillator suspension ( 112 ), separate from primary oscillator suspension ( 104 ), so as to be movable with respect to the primary oscillator ( 106 ). The secondary oscillator suspension ( 112 ) is designed such that movement that can be applied to the primary oscillator ( 106 ) can be transferred to the secondary oscillator ( 114 ), whereas the movement of the secondary oscillator ( 114 ) effected by the Coriolis force substantially is not transferred back to the primary oscillator ( 106 ). In addition thereto, the major surfaces of the primary oscillator ( 106 ) and of the secondary oscillator ( 114 ) extend substantially in the same plane, with the movement of the primary oscillator ( 106 ) and/or of the secondary oscillator ( 114 ) also taking place in this plane.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to movement sensors and in particular tomicromechanical rotational rate gyroscopes using the Coriolis force.

BACKGROUND ART

Micromechanical Coriolis-force rotational rate gyroscopes have manyfields of application, for example the determination of the position ofa motor vehicle or aircraft. Such devices or sensors in general have amovable mechanical structure that is excited to perform a periodicoscillation. This periodic oscillation induced by excitation is referredto as primary oscillation. When the sensor experiences a rotation aboutan axis perpendicular to the primary oscillation or primary movement,the movement of the primary oscillation results in a Coriolis forceproportional to the measurement quantity, i.e. the angular velocity. TheCoriolis force induces a second oscillation orthogonal to the primaryoscillation. This second oscillation orthogonal to the primaryoscillation is referred to as secondary oscillation. The secondaryoscillation, which is also termed detection oscillation, can be detectedby several measuring methods, with the quantity detected serving as ameasure for the rotational rate acting on the rotational rate gyroscope.

To generate the primary oscillation, thermal, piezoelectric,electrostatic and inductive methods are used among others, which areknown in the art. For detecting the secondary oscillation,piezoelectric, piezoresistive and capacitive principles are state of theart.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Known micromechanical rotational rate gyroscopes are described in K.Funk, A. Shilp, M. Offenberg, B. Elsner and F. Lärmer, “SurfaceMicromachining Resonant Silicon Structures”, The 8th InternationalConference on Solid-State Sensors and Actuators, Eurosensors IX, NEWS,pages 50 to 52. In particular, a known, quasi-rotating gyroscopedescribed in that publication comprises a circular oscillator supportedon a base so as to be rotatable in two directions. The oscillator of theknown gyroscope is of disc-shaped configuration with respect to an x-yplane, with comb electrode configurations be attached on two oppositesides of the disc. A comb electrode configuration is used for drivingthe oscillating body and is composed of fixed comb electrodes and thecomb electrodes of the oscillator engaging with the fixed combelectrodes. A similar comb electrode detection assembly consists offixed comb electrodes engaging with corresponding comb electrodesattached to the primary oscillator. The comb electrode configuration onthe input side serving for driving the oscillator and being alsoreferred to as comb drive, is suitably connected to an excitationvoltage, such that a first comb electrode configuration is fed with ana.c. voltage, whereas a second comb electrode configuration of the combdrive is fed with a second voltage phase-shifted by 180° with respect tothe first voltage. Due to the applied a.c. voltage, the oscillator isexcited to perform a rotational oscillation about the z axis normal tothe x-y plane. The oscillation of the oscillator in the x-y plane is theafore-mentioned primary oscillation.

When the known gyroscope is rotated about an y axis with a specificangular velocity, a Coriolis force acts on the oscillator that isproportional to the applied angular velocity about the y axis. ThisCoriolis force generates a rotational oscillation of the oscillatorabout the x axis. This rotational oscillation or periodic “tilting” ofthe oscillator about the x axis can be measured capacitively by means ofthe two electrodes located underneath the gyroscope or sensor.

A disadvantage of this known structure consists in that the primaryoscillation and the secondary oscillation, which is the oscillation ofthe oscillating body due the Coriolis force acting thereon, are carriedout by one single oscillator supported by means of a two-axis joint inorder to be able to perform the two mutually orthogonal oscillations.The two oscillation modes, i.e. the primary oscillation and thesecondary oscillation, thus are not decoupled from each other, and thisis why the intrinsic frequencies of primary and secondary oscillationscannot be balanced in exact manner independently of each other in orderto obtain an as high as possible sensing accuracy of the rotational rategyroscope. Furthermore, in case of the known gyroscope, the secondaryoscillation has the effect that the comb electrode assembly for drivingthe oscillator is tilted, thereby affecting the primary oscillation bythe secondary oscillation. This influence results in a primaryoscillation that is not controlled in fully harmonic manner, which is areaction to the retroactive effect of the secondary oscillation on theprimary oscillation, i.e. a reaction to tilting of the comb drive forgenerating the primary oscillation.

Another known rotational rate gyroscope described in that publicationcomprises two mutually separate oscillatory masses which may be broughtinto opposite-phase oscillation by respective comb drives connected toone mass each by spring beams. The two masses are connected to eachother by a spring beam arrangement and, due to suspension of theassembly of the two masses and the connecting webs of the masses, carryout a rotational oscillation in the x-y plane when the gyroscope issubjected to rotation about the z axis. Displacement of the assembly ofthe two masses and the spring beams mutually connecting the masses, inthe direction of the y axis as a reaction to rotation of said assemblyis detected capacitively by means of four comb electrode configurations.

Just as the first known gyroscope described, the second known gyroscopealso comprises merely one single oscillator both for the primaryoscillation and for the secondary oscillation, so that the twoorthogonal oscillation modes are coupled with each other and thesecondary oscillation generated by the Coriolis force may have aretroactive effect on the primary oscillation. This structure, too, thuspermits no exact selective balancing of the intrinsic frequencies of theprimary and secondary oscillations.

A further known oscillatory gyroscope is described in the article by P.Greiff et al., entitled “Silicon Monolithic Micromechanical Gyroscope”in the conference band of Transducers 1991, pages 966 to 968. Thisgyroscope is a double gimbal structure in the x-y plane, which issupported by torsion springs. A frame-shaped first oscillator structuresurrounds a plate-shaped second oscillator structure. The secondoscillator structure comprises an inertia element projecting inz-direction from the plane thereof. In operation, rotary excitationabout the y axis of the first oscillator structure is transferred bytorsion springs rigid in the direction of the first oscillation to thesecond oscillator structure. In the presence of an angular velocityabout the z axis, a Coriolis force is generated in the y direction,which engages the projecting inertia element or gyro element in order todeflect the second oscillator structure about the x axis, whereby thesecond oscillator structure performs a Coriolis oscillation about the xaxis orthogonal to the excitation oscillation, which is renderedpossible by the torsion springs suspending the second oscillatorstructure on the first oscillator structure. The Coriolis force presentwith this gyroscope only in y direction does not result in movement ofthe remaining structure since the latter is fixedly held in the ydirection. Only the gyro element projecting in y direction offers apoint of application for the Coriolis force, so that this force caneffect a measurable movement proportional to the forced rotation.

Although the first and second oscillations are decoupled from each otherin this structure and no retroactive effect of the second oscillation onthe excitation of the first oscillation takes place, a disadvantageresides in that the second oscillator structure cannot be made in planarmanner due to the projecting gyro element. Upon manufacture of thegyroscope structure, the gyro element is formed by gold electroplatingon the second oscillator structure. Such electroplating is not favorablefor integration in a substantially planar monolithic manufacturingprocess, causing an increase in manufacturing time and manufacturingsteps as well as rising costs for the gyroscope.

DE 44 28 405 A1 discloses a rotational rate gyroscope comprising anexcitation actuation mechanism with comb drives and two oscillatorymasses connected to each other via spring members so as to constitute anoscillatory system. The gyroscope comprises in particular a firstoscillation structure that can be excited by means of comb drives so asto perform an excitation oscillation. Via connecting points, theexcitation oscillation is transferred from the first oscillationstructure to a second mass. Various springs and holding means connectthe second mass to a central oscillatory mass, the springs having theeffect of transferring the excitation oscillation from the secondoscillatory mass to the central oscillatory mass and of causing the twooscillatory masses to oscillate with mutually opposite phases due to theexcitation oscillation. Upon rotation of the gyroscope, a Coriolis forceacts among other things on the central oscillatory mass, having theeffect that said mass moves perpendicularly to the excitationoscillation. The Coriolis force acts also on the second mass, the latterexperiencing a Coriolis oscillation opposite to the central mass, whichis opposite for the reason that the two masses have excitationoscillations of opposite phases.

DE 195 00 800 A1 discloses Coriolis rotational rate gyroscopes havingtwo oscillatory masses which are mechanically coupled to each other andconstitute an oscillating structure. The two oscillatory masses, ontheir opposite faces, each have two symmetrically arranged bendingsprings by means of which the oscillatory masses are mechanicallycoupled with each other using additional silicon webs. In a firstcategory of Coriolis gyroscopes, the secondary oscillators are exciteddirectly, without the use of a primary oscillator. In case of a secondcategory of Coriolis gyroscopes, two oscillatory masses are excited by aprimary oscillator to oscillate with opposite phases, with a webtransferring the primary oscillation to the secondary oscillators theoscillation of which passes through a holding point connected to asubstrate, as well as through springs attached to the substrate.

EP 0 634 629 A discloses an angular velocity sensor comprising a firstoscillating member supported by a first supporting beam, and a secondoscillating member connected to the first oscillating member by means ofa second supporting beam. The first supporting beam, through which thefirst oscillating member is connected to the substrate, is provided inaddition with a comb drive in order to cause the first oscillatingmember to oscillate in a first direction. The second supporting beamconnecting the first oscillating member and the second oscillatingmember also permits oscillation in the first direction, whereby theexcitation oscillation on the one hand is transferred to the secondoscillating member and on the other hand is increased. Upon rotation ofthe angular velocity sensor about an axis normal to the first direction,a Coriolis force acts on the arrangement, which causes deflection of thesecond oscillating member in z direction. In doing so, the firstoscillating member is held so as to be movable in the direction of theCoriolis force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a rotational rategyroscope which can be produced in economical manner and in whichprimary oscillation and secondary oscillation are largely decoupled.

This object is met by a rotational rate gyroscope for detecting rotationthereof about an axis of rotation, comprising: a base member; a primaryoscillator adapted to be excited to perform a primary movement which isdirected normal to the axis of rotation or about an axis normal to theaxis of rotation, respectively; a secondary oscillator adapted to becaused, by a Coriolis force, to perform a secondary movement which isdirected normal to the axis of rotation or about an axis normal to theaxis of rotation, respectively, and normal to the primary movement, withmajor surfaces of the primary oscillator and the secondary oscillatorextending substantially in the same plane and the movement of theprimary oscillator and/or the movement of the secondary oscillatortaking place in this plane; a first spring means constituting a primaryoscillator suspension and holding the primary oscillator so as to bemovable with respect to the base member; a second spring means separatefrom the first spring means and connecting the primary oscillator to thesecondary oscillator and constituting a secondary oscillator suspension,wherein the primary oscillator suspension is designed such that it movesthe primary oscillator in the direction of the primary movement, andthat the secondary oscillator suspension is designed such that ittransfers the primary movement to the secondary oscillator substantiallyin rigid manner; that it moves the secondary oscillator in the directionof the secondary movement; and that it substantially prevents a transferof the secondary movement back to the primary oscillator.

The invention is based on the finding that decoupling of primary andsecondary oscillations can be achieved by providing a primary oscillatorheld so as to be movable with respect to a base member by means of aprimary oscillator suspension. A primary oscillation applied to theprimary oscillator is transferred via a secondary oscillator suspensionto a secondary oscillator, so that the secondary oscillator alsoperforms the primary oscillation. A Coriolis force present due torotation of the rotational rate gyroscope results in a secondaryoscillation of the secondary oscillator orthogonal to the primaryoscillation of the secondary oscillator which, by way of a suitabledesign of the secondary oscillator suspension, has no retroactive effecton the primary oscillator. The primary oscillator suspension, dependingon the particular embodiment, may consist of suitably dimensioned springbeams (e.g. torsion springs or bending springs) being of suchcross-section and geometric arrangement (e.g. diagonal struts, numberetc.) that it provides a direction-dependent spring rigidity. Thisanisotropy of the rigidity of the suspension in principle can beguaranteed solely by the arrangement of the spring beams. The secondaryoscillation thus has no retroactive effect on the primary oscillator, sothat the excitation is not influenced by the quantity to be measured. Byproviding a secondary oscillator separate from the primary oscillatorand due to the configurations of the primary oscillator suspension andthe secondary oscillator suspension, which also is spatially separatefrom the primary oscillator suspension and has only preferably ananisotropic rigidity, the primary and secondary oscillations aredecoupled from each other to the largest possible extent, so that boththe primary oscillation and the secondary oscillation can be balancedindependently of each other.

A two-axis joint for an oscillator, as present in the prior art, whichso to speak is concentrated in one spatial spot and which permits themutually orthogonal primary and secondary oscillations of the soleoscillator, is converted in the rotational rate gyroscope according tothe present invention to two mutually separate joints and oscillators,which on the one hand constitute the primary oscillator suspension andprimary oscillator, respectively, and on the other hand constitute thesecondary oscillator suspension and secondary oscillator, respectively.The provision of a second oscillator, i.e. the secondary oscillator,which is connected to the primary oscillator via the secondaryoscillator suspension, permits the two oscillations to be decoupled. Theprimary oscillator is driven to perform a translational or rotationaloscillation which via the secondary oscillator suspension is transmittedto the secondary oscillator. A Coriolis force acting due to rotation ofthe rotational rate gyroscope, by way of a suitable design of theprimary oscillator suspension, however acts only on the secondaryoscillator, and not on the primary oscillator, so that said excitationis not influenced by the quantity to be measured. Furthermore, theoscillation of the secondary oscillator due to the Coriolis force can betransferred only insignificantly to the movement of the primaryoscillator by the secondary oscillator suspension. The rotational rategyroscope according to the present invention thus indeed permits atransmission of the primary oscillation from the primary oscillator tothe secondary oscillator, but no transmission of the secondaryoscillation back to the primary oscillator.

Due to the construction of the vibratory gyroscope according to thepresent invention in such a manner that both the primary and thesecondary oscillators extend substantially in the same plane,manufacture becomes simple since the vibratory gyroscope can bemanufactured in fully compatible manner with known planar manufacturingtechniques. Due to the fact that, in addition thereto, the primaryoscillation and/or the secondary oscillation take place in the plane inwhich primary oscillator and secondary oscillator are formed as well,the Coriolis force always can act on the substantially planar secondaryoscillator such that it can be excited to oscillate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a plan view of a rotational rate gyroscope according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the rotational rate gyroscope ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a rotational rate gyroscope according to asecond embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a rotational rate gyroscope according to athird embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A shows a plan view of a rotational rate gyroscope according to afourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B shows a sectional view of the rotational rate gyroscope of FIG.4A along the line A-B; and

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a rotational rate gyroscope according to afifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A shows in a plan view a rotational rate gyroscope 100 accordingto a first embodiment of the present invention, whereas FIG. 1B shows aschematic cross-section of rotational rate gyroscope 100 along the lineA-A′ of FIG. 1A. Rotational rate gyroscope 100 comprises a base member102 having attached thereto a primary oscillator 106 by means of aprimary oscillator suspension 104 including an anchoring means 104 a andfour spring beams 104 b. Primary oscillator 106 comprises an outer ring106 a and an inner ring 106 b. Between outer ring 106 a and inner ring106 b of primary oscillator 106 there are disposed groups of comb-likeelectrodes 108. The electrode groups 108 of the primary oscillator eachengage in finger-like manner in opposite, fixed electrode groups 110.Differently from the primary oscillator suspension according to thefirst embodiment, there can be provided in which four anchoring meanswhich are arranged in the x-y plane in such a manner that connectinglines between two opposite anchoring means each constitute a right anglewith each other. At the intersection of these connecting lines designedas spring beams, i.e. at the center of symmetry of the primaryoscillator suspension, the e.g. four spring beams (104) will be disposedthen.

An electrode group 108 of the primary oscillator, together with a fixedelectrode group 110 disposed opposite thereto, constitutes a so-calledcomb drive functioning in conventional manner. The fixed electrodegroups 110, for example, may be connected to base member 102 or may befixedly arranged opposite the primary oscillator in a different manner,which however is not shown in FIG. 1B for reasons of clarity. Primaryoscillator 106 is connected via torsion springs 112 to a secondaryoscillator 114. Torsion spring 112 thus constitutes the secondaryoscillator suspension by means of which secondary oscillator 114 ismechanically coupled to primary oscillator 106.

In a rotational rate gyroscope according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention, secondary oscillator 114 may assume a rectangularconfiguration, having a recess in which primary oscillator 106 isdisposed, as shown in FIG. 1A. At the upper and lower side of thesecondary oscillator, respectively, there are provided, underneath thesame on base member 102, first sensing electrodes 116 a, 116 b as wellas optionally additional electrodes 118 a, 118 b, the function of whichwill be described hereinafter.

For elucidating the function of the rotational rate gyroscope 100 aswell as all additional rotational rate gyroscopes according to thepresent invention, reference will be made in the following to therespective Cartesian coordinate system depicted to the left in each ofthe figures, having the mutually orthogonal axes x, y and z.

When rotational rate gyroscope 100 is utilized for detecting a rotationthereof about the y axis with an angular velocity Ω_(y), primaryoscillator 106 has to be excited to perform a rotational oscillation.This takes place in a manner known to those having ordinary skill in theart, by application of suitable a.c. voltages to respective oppositecomb drives constituted by the respective interengaging electrode groups108 of primary oscillator 106 as well as by respective fixed electrodegroups 110 opposite thereto. A comb drive performs the capacitive driveprinciple as known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Forexciting primary oscillator 106 to perform a rotational oscillation inthe x-y plane, it is possible to use, for example, four comb drives,while the other four comb drives are utilized for capacitive detectionof this very rotational oscillation in the x-y plane. In case ofrotation of primary oscillator 106 about the z axis, the four springbeams 104 b are each deflected with respect to the z axis by a torque.The four spring beams 104 b are of rectangular cross-section, with thelong side of the cross-section extending in z axis direction whereas theshort side thereof extends in the x-y plane.

The oscillation of primary oscillator 106 in the x-y plane thus istransferred via torsion springs 112 to the secondary oscillator wherebythe latter also performs a rotation in the x-y plane, as indicatedschematically by arrows 120. The Coriolis force acting on the secondaryoscillator due to rotation of the rotational rate gyroscope 100 about anaxis parallel to the y axis results in a rotational oscillation ofsecondary oscillator 114 about the x axis, as shown symbolically by theknown notation 122. The Coriolis force, which of course also acts onprimary oscillator 106, however, does not lead to tilting of primaryoscillator 106 about the x axis, due to the geometry of the spring beams104 b described, i.e. the primary oscillator suspension 104.Furthermore, secondary oscillator 114 cannot transfer its rotary motionabout the x axis due to the Coriolis force to the primary oscillator106, since torsion springs 112 exhibit a significantly lower torsionalrigidity with respect to rotation about the x axis than primaryoscillator suspension 104 consisting of anchoring means 104 a and springbeams 104 b.

Movement of secondary oscillator 114, which may consist of anelectrically conductive material, such as e.g. polysilicon, iscapacitively detected by means of sensing electrodes 116 a and 116 blocated underneath the same. The presence of two sensing electrodes 116a and 116 b permits the use of a differential measuring method by meansof which, among other things, the sensitivity of the sensor is doubledin known manner in comparison with a simple measuring method.

By feedback of a suitable voltage to the two sensing electrodes 116 aand 116 b or by application of a voltage to the additional electrodes118 a and 118 b, the Coriolis force can be compensated in a specificrange, thereby increasing the bandwidth of rotational rate gyroscope100. For example, when an a.c. voltage is applied to sensing electrodes116 a and 116 b or to the additional electrodes 118 a and 118 b, whichcounteracts the oscillation of secondary oscillator to a certain degree,larger Coriolis forces on secondary oscillator 114 can be measuredwithout the mechanical system suffering from two high oscillationamplitudes.

Balancing of the intrinsic frequencies is effected by electronicadjustment of the intrinsic frequency of the secondary oscillation.Application of a d.c. voltage to electrodes 116 a, 116 b or to theadditional electrodes 118 a, 118 b reduces the intrinsic frequency ofthe secondary oscillation. By feedback of an a.c. voltage to theelectrodes mentioned, the intrinsic frequency of the secondaryoscillation can also be increased. By balancing of the intrinsicfrequencies, the rotational rate gyroscope becomes more sensitive forsmaller angular velocities Ω_(y).

Thus, it can be summarized that in the first embodiment the majorsurfaces, i.e. the surfaces shown in FIG. 1, both of the primary and ofthe secondary oscillators are arranged in the x-y plane, with theprimary oscillation being generated in this plane as well. Rotation ofthe sensor thus generates a Coriolis force normal to the x-y plane, sothat no projecting parts as in case of the prior art are necessary.Furthermore, the leverage principle is utilized in advantageous manner,whereby two particularly critical difficulties are avoided in case ofmicromechanical realization. Relatively small bending amounts of theelongate spring beams 104 b permit large deflections, i.e. a highoscillation amplitude and velocity of secondary oscillator 114 in thedirection of the primary oscillation. It is thus possible to operate thespring beams 104 b in the linear bending range. Another advantageousproperty of rotational rate gyroscope 100 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention consists in the mechanicalcompensation of interference forces, such as e.g. forces arising fromtranslational accelerations acting on the secondary oscillator, sincesecondary oscillator 114 in the direction of detection can be deflectedonly by torques acting around the x axis.

It is apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that thereference to an x-y-z coordinate system merely serves to simplify thedescription of the present invention and to promote clarity, sincerotational rate gyroscope 100 as well as all other rotational rategyroscopes described hereinafter with respect to other embodiments ofthe present invention can be positioned in any arrangement desired. Thereference to the x-y-z coordinate system merely serves to describe thedirectional relationships of the individual motions in relation to eachother. It is also evident that the gyroscope or sensor, upon rotationabout an arbitrary axis, detects the components in the direction of itssensitive axis (axes).

Moreover, it is apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art thatthe number of spring beams 104 b and the arrangement thereof along theangle median line of the x-y plane is merely of exemplary nature. It isdecisive that the rigidity of the suspension 104 with respect torotation about the x axis is sufficiently large to prevent tilting ofprimary oscillator 106 with respect to the fixed electrodes 110 so as toavoid a retroactive effect of the secondary oscillation on the primaryoscillation, i.e. on the excitation assembly for the primaryoscillation. Thus, in the simplest case, already two spring beams wouldbe sufficient that are disposed parallel to the y axis and connect theanchoring means 104 a to the inner ring 106 b of the primary oscillator.Arranging the spring beams 104 b along the x axis is less advantageousthan arranging the same in an angle with respect to the x axis. Theseremarks concerning the rigidity of the suspensions hold for allembodiments and in particular also for the secondary oscillatorsuspensions, although they will not be repeated explicitly in thefollowing.

FIG. 2 shows in a plan view a second embodiment of a rotational rategyroscope 200 according to the present invention. Rotational rategyroscope 200 comprises a primary oscillator 206 substantially identicalwith primary oscillator 106 of gyroscope 100. Primary oscillator 206 isconnected via a primary oscillator suspension 204, comprising ananchoring means 204 a and four spring beams 204 b, to a base member (notshown) in a manner corresponding to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

A difference of rotational rate gyroscope 200 as compared to rotationalrate gyroscope 100 consists in that gyroscope 200 is capable ofdetecting both a rotation thereof about an axis parallel to the y axisand a rotation thereof about an axis parallel to the x axis. This ispossible by the presence of two secondary oscillators 230, 232. Thefirst secondary oscillator 230 consists of a first part 230 a and asecond part 230 b. The second secondary oscillator 232 likewise consistsof a first part 232 a and a second part 232 b. The first part 230 a aswell as the second part 230 b are connected to primary oscillator 206via a first secondary oscillator suspension 234. Analogously therewith,the first part 232 a and the second part 232 b of second secondaryoscillator 232 are connected to primary oscillator 206 via secondsecondary oscillator suspensions 236.

The first secondary oscillator 230 is oriented with respect to primaryoscillator 206 in such a manner that its axis of symmetry is parallel tothe y axis and intersects the z axis about which primary oscillator 206performs a rotational oscillation. An axis of symmetry of the secondsecondary oscillator 232, in contrast thereto, extends normal to theaxis of symmetry of the first secondary oscillator 230. The firstsecondary oscillator thus is oriented parallel to the y axis, whereasthe second secondary oscillator 232 is oriented parallel to the x axis.

The two secondary oscillator suspensions 234 and 236 are in the form ofspring beams, the spring beams of the first secondary oscillatorsuspension 234 and the spring beams of the second secondary oscillatorsuspension 236 being deflectable by a force acting in the z direction,whereas they may be substantially rigid with respect to a force in the xor y direction. The cross-sectional geometry thereof thus corresponds toa rectangle having its long side disposed in the x-y plane whereas thenarrow side thereof is located in z direction. It is to be pointed outhere that the cross-sectional geometry of the spring beams used in thepresent invention is not restricted to a rectangle, but that, forexample, also an oval or different cross-sectional geometry may be usedwhich permits such a spring beam to have a higher spring rigidity in onedirection than in another direction. However, as was already pointedout, the anisotropy of the rigidity could also be obtained by suitablyarranging the spring beams.

When primary oscillator 206 is excited by application of a suitable a.c.voltage to respective electrode groups 208 of the primary oscillator andcorresponding fixed electrode groups 210, it will perform a rotationaloscillation in the x-y plane. This rotational oscillation is transferredto secondary oscillators 230 and 232 via the first secondary oscillatorsuspension and via the second secondary oscillator suspension, asindicated schematically by arrows 220. Rotation of rotational rategyroscope 22 about an axis parallel to the y axis at an angular velocityΩ_(y) results in a rotational oscillation of first secondary oscillator230 about the x axis, which can be detected via sensing electrodes 216a, 216 b of the primary oscillator, as described with regard to thefirst embodiment. Rotation of rotational rate gyroscope 200 about the xaxis at an angular velocity Ω_(x), in contrast thereto, results in anangular oscillation of second secondary oscillator 232 about the y axis.Corresponding sensing electrodes 216 a, 216 b as well as additionalelectrodes 218 a, 218 b are provided under the second secondaryoscillator just as underneath the first secondary oscillator.

The detection of the rotations about the x or y axis of rotational rategyroscope 200 as well as the balancing of the intrinsic frequencies byelectrostatic matching of the intrinsic frequency of the secondaryoscillation take place in exactly the same manner as described withregard to the first embodiment. Thus, rotational rate gyroscope 200,just as rotational rate gyroscope 100, constitutes a sensor withelectrostatic drive and capacitive measuring principle. However, it isobvious to experts that the capacitive drive as well as the capacitivemeasuring principle are only of exemplary nature as any other drivingand measuring principles known to experts can be employed with allembodiments of the present invention described and all embodimentsthereof to be still described.

An advantage of rotional rate gyroscope 200 in comparison withrotational rate gyroscope 100 consists in that a two-axis measurement ofa rotation is possible. What is disadvantageous in gyroscope 200 ascompared to gyroscope 100, is the fact that gyroscope 20 does notprovide a mechanical compensation of translational interference forcessince both the first secondary oscillator 230 and the second secondaryoscillator 232 can not only be deflected by torques, but also bytranslational forces in z direction. Translational interferences,however, can be compensated by electrical differential measurement,since the movement of the secondary oscillators caused by rotation takesplace in opposite directions, whereas translational interferencesproduce movement thereof with the same phase.

It is to be pointed out here that the most favorable shape of electrodes116, 118, 216, 218 is not rectangular, although they are shown in thedrawings in this manner. The most favorable shape consists in particularin that the edges of the electrodes at those locations where they“protrude” from underneath the movable electrodes, i.e. the secondaryoscillators 114 230 a, 230 b, 232 a, 232 b, extend along a radius ofrotation, internally and externally thereof, in order to introduce nocapacitance changes (in the ideal case the surface of a plate-typecapacitor), which are superimposed on the quantity to be measured andmay lead to measuring errors, in the capacitive detection of thesecondary oscillation due to the rotational movement of the secondaryoscillators. The secondary oscillators may also have different shapesfrom a rectangular one, as long as they have a major surface parallel tothe major surface of the primary oscillator.

As with the first embodiment of the present invention, it can be pointedout that the major surfaces, i,e, the surfaces depicted in FIG. 2, bothof the primary oscillator and of the secondary oscillators are arrangedin the x-y plane, with the primary oscillation being produced in thisplane as well. This produces, by rotation of the sensor, a Coriolisforce normal to the x-y plane, so that no projecting elements arenecessary, either.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a rotational rate gyroscope 300 according toa third embodiment of the present invention. Rotational rate gyroscope300 operates on the tuning fork principle, as known to experts anddescribed by J. Bernstein, S. Cho, A. I. King, A. Kourepins, P. Macleland M. Weinberg, in “A Micromachined Comb-Drive Tuning Fork RateGyroscope”, Proc. IEEE Micro Electromechanical Systems Conference,Florida, USA, February 1993, pages 143 to 148. As shown in FIG. 3,rotational rate gyroscope 300 comprises a first primary oscillator 306 aas well as a second primary oscillator 306 b. Both the first primaryoscillator 306 a and the second primary oscillator 306 b are attached toa base member (not shown) by means of identical primary oscillatorsuspensions 304, with each primary oscillator suspension being composedof an anchoring means 304 a and a spring beam 304 b. Each primaryoscillator furthermore comprises electrode groups 308 engaging withfixed electrode groups 310, in order to cause first primary oscillator306 a as well as second primary oscillator 306 b to perform atranslational oscillation parallel to the y axis. Each primaryoscillator is connected, by means of a secondary oscillator suspension312, to a secondary oscillator consisting of a first secondaryoscillator 314 a and a second secondary oscillator 314 b. Each secondaryoscillator suspension 312 consists of two torsion springs 312 a and fourspring beams 312 b.

When an a.c. voltage is applied to the comb drives constituted by therespective electrode groups 308 and 310, in such a manner that firstprimary oscillator 306 a oscillates in opposite phase to second primaryoscillator 306 b, as indicated by arrows 340 on the primary oscillators,the translational movement of primary oscillators 306 a and 306 bdirected parallel to the y axis is transformed, via secondary oscillatorsuspension 312, to a translational movement parallel to the x axis ofthe first and second secondary oscillators 314 a and 314 b, as indicatedsymbolically by arrows 342 on the secondary oscillators. It is apparentto experts from FIG. 3 that the opposite-phase movement of both primaryoscillators also results in opposite-phase movement of both secondaryoscillators.

When rotational rate gyroscope 300 is subject to rotation about an axis344 parallel to the y axis, a Coriolis force is generated acting onfirst and second secondary oscillators 314 a and 314 b, as shownsymbolically by the known notation 346. The movements of first andsecond oscillators 314 a and 314 b are detected by sensing electrodes316 therebeneath and by additional electrodes 318 therebeneath,respectively, with the first and second secondary oscillatorsconstituting a differential capacitive detector with a respectivesensing electrode therebeneath. Frequency balancing and feedback, asdescribed in conjunction with the first embodiment of the presentinvention, are possible analogously therewith by means of additionalelectrodes 318, if necessary.

Spring beams 304 b as well as anchoring means 340 a of primaryoscillator suspensions 304 permit movement of each primary oscillator inthe y-direction, whereas they prevent movement in the direction in whichthe Coriolis force acts, i.e. in z direction, when their cross-sectionalgeometry is designed in corresponding manner, as elucidated in the lastembodiments. Spring beams 312 b of secondary oscillator suspension 312are designed such that they fulfil the desired spring characteristics inthe lateral direction, i.e. the x direction, whereas they are very rigidin the z direction. Torsion springs 312 a prevent tilting of electrodegroups 308 of primary oscillator with respect to fixed electrode groups310 and thus a retroactive effect of the measurable quantity on theenergization or comb drive. Torsion springs 312 a thus permit rotationaloscillation of secondary oscillator 314 a and 314 b, without thesecondary oscillation being transferred back to primary oscillators 306a and 306 b.

As with the two preceding embodiments of the present invention, it canbe pointed out that the major surfaces, i.e. the surfaces depicted inFIG. 3, both of the primary oscillator and of the secondary oscillatorare arranged in the x-y plane, with the primary oscillation beinggenerated in this plane as well. Rotation of the gyroscope or sensorthus produces a Coriolis force normal to the x-y plane, so thatprotruding elements are not necessary here, either.

FIG. 4A shows a plan view of a rotational rate gyroscope 400 accordingto a fourth embodiment of the present invention, whereas FIG. 4B shows across-section thereof along the line A-B. Rotational rate gyroscope 400comprises a primary oscillator 406, connected to a base member 402 bymeans of primary oscillator suspension 404 consisting of four units. Aunit of primary oscillator suspension 404 comprises an anchoring means404 a and a spring beam 404 b. The anchoring means is connected to basemember 402 and to spring beam 404 b, whereas the spring beam connectsthe anchoring means and primary oscillator 406. Primary oscillator 406,furthermore, comprises four electrode groups 108 engaging in electrodegroups 410 that are fixed, i.e. connected to base member 402, so as toform one comb drive each.

A cross-section of the comb drive is shown in FIG. 4B. A special featureof the comb drive shown in cross-section in FIG. 4B consists in that itis a vertical comb drive through which, when a suitable a.c. voltage ispresent, the primary oscillator can be caused to perform a translationaloscillation in z direction.

Spring beams 404 b of primary oscillator suspension 404 are dimensionedsuch that they permit deflection in z direction, whereas they aresubstantially rigid with respect to forces in the x-y plane.

A first secondary oscillator 430, consisting of a first part 430 a and asecond part 430 b, is connected to primary oscillator 406 by means of afirst secondary oscillator suspension 434. Analogously therewith, asecond secondary oscillator 432, consisting of a first part 432 a and asecond part 432 b, is connected to primary oscillator 406 via a secondsecondary oscillator suspension. The first secondary oscillatorsuspension 434 and the second secondary oscillator suspension 436 areeach in the form of spring beams which are substantially rigid in zdirection while they are deflectable in the x and y directions,respectively. Furthermore, the first and second parts of first secondaryoscillator and second secondary oscillator, on their sides opposite thesecondary oscillator suspensions, each have a secondary oscillatorelectrode group 450, with a fixed sensing electrode group 452 beinglocated opposite each secondary oscillator electrode group 450 in themanner of a comb drive. The comb-like interengagement of secondaryoscillator electrode group 450 and fixed sensing electrode group 452 isdesigned such that shifting of secondary oscillator electrode group 450parallel to the x axis can be detected by a capacitance change of thecomb arrangement.

As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the axis of symmetry of first secondaryoscillator 430 is parallel to the y axis, whereas the axis of symmetryof second secondary oscillator 432 extends parallel to the x axis.Furthermore, second secondary oscillator 432, analogously with firstsecondary oscillator 430, comprises secondary oscillator electrodegroups and sensing electrode groups engaging therewith in comb-likemanner and capable of detecting a displacement of secondary oscillator432, i.e. of first and second parts 432 a and 432 b of secondaryoscillator 432, parallel to the y axis. The primary oscillatoroptionally has a primary oscillator sensing electrode 454 disposedtherebeneath, in order to capacitively detect the primary oscillationand balance the same as already described hereinbefore, respectively.Movement of the primary oscillator in the z direction, as an alternativeanalogous with the two first embodiments, could be measured by means offurther additional vertical comb drives for detection, which are similarto the comb drives for driving. To this end, one or two vertical combdrives could enable capacitive detection. Optionally, the movement ofthe secondary oscillator could be detected by means of vertical combdrives as well.

When rotational rate gyroscope 400 is rotated at an angular velocityΩ_(y) about an axis parallel to the axis of symmetry of first secondaryoscillator 430, which is parallel to the y axis, the translationalprimary movement of first secondary oscillator 430 in z direction, whichis transferred from primary oscillator 406 via secondary oscillatorsuspension 434, effects a Coriolis force causing movement of secondaryoscillator 430 in x direction, which can be detected capacitively bymeans of the fixed sensing electrode group 452 and the primaryoscillator sensing electrode group 454. Analogously therewith, rotationof rotational rate gyroscope 400 about an axis parallel to the axis ofsymmetry of second secondary oscillator 432, which is parallel to the xaxis, effects a Coriolis force on secondary oscillator 432, therebycausing movement of secondary oscillator 432 in the y direction whichalso is detected capacitively. It is to be noted here that the firstpart 430 a of the first secondary oscillator and the second part 430 bof the first secondary oscillator perform an equiphase translationalmovement, which is also the case for the first and second parts 432 aand 432 b of second secondary oscillator 432. Frequency balancing aswell as feedback, as described in conjunction with the first embodimentof the present invention, optionally can be realized with the aid ofadditional comb-like electrodes, parallel to those illustrated, on thesecondary oscillator, along with corresponding fixed counter-electrodes(not shown in FIG. 4A).

As an alternative to the vertical comb drive realized by the primaryoscillator electrode groups 408 and by corresponding fixed electrodegroups 110, primary oscillator 406 can also be driven capacitively byprimary oscillator sensing electrode 454.

As was already pointed out several times, the major surfaces, i.e. thesurfaces shown in FIG. 4A, both of the primary oscillator and of thesecondary oscillator are arranged in the x-y plane in the fourthembodiment, too, with the primary oscillation in fact being generatednormal to this plane, but the secondary oscillation taking place in thisplane. A rotation of the sensor thus generates a Coriolis force normalto the x-y plane or in the x-y plane, i.e. the major surface of theoscillators; projecting elements for deflecting the secondary oscillatorare not necessary in this case, either.

FIG. 5 shows a rotational rate gyroscope 500 according to a fifthembodiment of the present invention. Just like the other rotational rategyroscopes described hereinbefore, gyroscope 500 comprises a primaryoscillator 506 attached to a base member (not shown) by means of aprimary oscillator suspension 504 consisting of four anchoring means 504a and four spring beams 504 b. For exciting the primary oscillator, i.e.for causing the same to oscillate, the primary oscillator comprises ontwo opposite sides one electrode group 508 each, arranged opposite afixed electrode group 510, i.e. an electrode group 510 connected to thebase member, so as to form a comb drive for capacitively excitingprimary oscillator 506. Primary oscillator suspension 504 is designed topermit oscillation of primary oscillator 506 in the x direction, whereasmovement of primary oscillator 506 in the two other directions iseffectively avoided. Spring beams 504 b thus must be of rectangularcross-section, with the narrow side of the cross-section being selectedalong the x direction whereas the long side of the cross-section extendsalong the z direction. It is to be noted here, too, that in addition tothe cross-sectional geometry of the spring beams, the anisotropicrigidity of the primary and secondary oscillator suspensions can also beachieved by the arrangement of several spring beams of likecross-sectional geometries.

A secondary oscillator 514 is connected to primary oscillator 506 viasecondary oscillator suspensions 512, as shown in FIG. 5.

Secondary oscillator 514 comprises secondary oscillator electrode groups550 disposed parallel to the x axis and interengaging in comb-likemanner with fixed secondary oscillator sensing electrode groups 552 soas to render possible a capacitive detection of the movement ofsecondary oscillator 514 in x direction.

When rotational rate gyroscope 500 is rotated with an angular velocityΩ_(y) about the axis of symmetry of secondary oscillator 514 which isparallel to the y axis, a Coriolis force acts on secondary oscillator514 resulting in a substantially translational movement of the secondaryoscillator in the z direction. The translational movement of secondaryoscillator 514 in the z direction can be detected capacitively by meansof a sensing electrode 516 disposed under secondary oscillator 514,analogous with the embodiments described hereinbefore.

When rotational rate gyroscope 500 is rotated with an angular velocityΩ_(y) about an axis extending vertically through the center of secondaryoscillator 514 and being parallel to the z axis, a Coriolis force actson the secondary oscillator which causes movement thereof in the ydirection. This y-direction movement of secondary oscillator 514represents a translational oscillation, since the primary oscillatoralso carries out a translational oscillation. Detection of the movementof secondary oscillator 514 in the y direction takes place capacitivelyby means of secondary oscillator electrode group 550 and fixed sensingelectrode groups 552. It is obvious to experts that the spring beams 512need to be of substantially square cross-section since they have topermit a deflection both in the z direction and in the y direction.Relative movement between secondary oscillator 514 and primaryoscillator 506 is prevented by the arrangement of the spring beams 512which all extend parallel to the x axis. However, the present embodimentcan also be implemented in the form of a one-axis gyroscope or sensorperforming a secondary movement in the y direction, with the springbeams then being of rectangular cross-section.

As was already mentioned, the primary oscillator suspension ensures thatprimary oscillator 504 cannot be moved by the Coriolis force in the y orz directions, since movement of the primary oscillator in the zdirection is rendered impossible by the cross-sectional configuration ofspring beams 504 b, with the arrangement of spring beams 504 b parallelto the y axis preventing in addition movement of the primary oscillatorin the y direction. It is to be noted here that the anchoring means 504a also need to have such rigidity that they permit no deflection in they direction.

Differential measurement of the z movement of the secondary oscillatoris possible by means of a second “cover electrode”, which however is notshown in FIG. 5. This cover electrode is disposed substantially parallelto sensing electrode 516, with secondary oscillator 514 being disposedbetween the same.

Finally, in case of the fifth embodiment, too, the major surfaces, i.e.the surfaces illustrated in FIG. 5, both of the primary and of thesecondary oscillators are arranged in the x-y plane or parallel thereto,with the primary oscillation being generated in this plane and thesecondary oscillation either taking place in this plane as well orperpendicularly thereto. Rotation of the sensor thus produces a Coriolisforce normal to the x-y plane or in the x-y plane, i.e. the majorsurface of the oscillators, with projecting elements for deflection ofthe secondary oscillator being not necessary here, either.

Differently from the embodiments mentioned hereinbefore, especially thesecond and fourth embodiments may have a multiplicity of secondaryoscillators that can be read independently of each other in selectiveand digital manner, so that the size and direction can be determined indigital manner on the basis of the number and position of the just readsecondary oscillators.

For manufacturing rotational rate gyroscopes according to the presentinvention, micromechanical technologies are used mainly. In realizingthe afore-described embodiments, it is necessary, for example, toproduce lateral capacitors. These can be made by means of varioussurface micromechanical processes or by bonding processes. The movablecomponents of the individual rotational rate gyroscopes, furthermore,can be structured by other mechanical methods, such as e.g. punching,cutting or sawing, or also by laser separating techniques, preferably ofelectrically conductive material, such as e.g. polysilicon. Theconnection of the movable structures to the base member is effectedpreferably prior to structuring thereof.

Furthermore, a multiplicity of additional manufacturing processes, suchas e.g. injection molding, electroplating or spark erosion, can be usedin advantageous manner for making rotational rate gyroscopes accordingto the present invention.

Finally, it is to be pointed out that, by using two spatially separatejoints and component assemblies for the two oscillation modes, aretroactive effect of the secondary movement on the primary movement islargely prevented. In contrast to other, known electrostatically drivenCoriolis force gyroscopes, tilting or an undesired, superimposedmovement of the comb drive structure is prevented. Measuring errors dueto a retroactive effect of the secondary movement on the primarymovement are minimized thereby. As was described, balancing of theintrinsic frequencies is possible in addition. For this purpose as well,decoupling of the two oscillation modes is essential, and tilting of thecomb drive has to be prevented for rendering possible such effectivedecoupling.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rotational rate gyroscope for detectingrotation thereof about an axis of rotation, comprising the followingfeatures: a base member; a primary oscillator adapted to be excited toperform a primary movement which is directed normal to the axis ofrotation or about an axis normal to the axis of rotation, respectively;a secondary oscillator adapted to be caused, by a Coriolis force, toperform a secondary movement which is directed normal to the axis ofrotation or about an axis normal to the axis of rotation, respectively,and normal to the primary movement, with major surfaces of the primaryoscillator and the secondary oscillator extending substantially in thesame plane and the movement of the primary oscillator and/or themovement of the secondary oscillator taking place in this plane; a firstspring means constituting a primary oscillator suspension and holdingthe primary oscillator so as to be movable with respect to the basemember; a second spring means separate from the first spring means andconnecting the primary oscillator to the secondary oscillator andconstituting a secondary oscillator suspension, wherein the primaryoscillator suspension is designed such that it permits the primaryoscillator to move in the direction of the primary movement, and that itdoes not permit the primary oscillator to move in the direction of thesecondary movement, and the secondary oscillator suspension is designedsuch that it transfers the primary movement to the secondary oscillatorsubstantially in rigid manner; that it permits the secondary oscillatorto move in the direction of the secondary movement; and that itsubstantially prevents a transfer of the secondary movement back to theprimary oscillator, wherein the rotation thereof about a first axis canbe detected; wherein the primary oscillator suspension supports theprimary oscillator so as to be rotatable with respect to the base memberabout a second axis, said second axis being substantially normal to thefirst axis; wherein the secondary oscillator suspension supports thesecondary oscillator so as to be rotatable with respect to the primaryoscillator about a third axis, said third axis being substantiallynormal to the first and second axes; wherein the torsional strength ofthe primary oscillator suspension with respect to torsion about thethird axis is higher than the torsional strength of the secondaryoscillator suspension with respect to torsion about the third axis; andwherein the secondary oscillator suspension is a torsion springexhibiting resilience with respect to torsion about the third axis. 2.The rotational rate gyroscope according to claim 1, wherein the primaryoscillator suspension comprises at least one spring beam that can bedeflected by torsion about the second axis.
 3. The rotational rategyroscope according to claim 1, wherein the secondary oscillator is ofsubstantially rectangular configuration, having a recess in which theprimary oscillator having a ring shape is disposed.
 4. The rotationalrate gyroscope according to claim 1, wherein the torsion spring isdisposed substantially parallel to the third axis, whereas an at leastone spring beam of the primary oscillator suspension forms an angle withrespect to the third axis.
 5. The rotational rate gyroscope according toclaim 1, wherein at least one sensing electrode is disposed on a side ofthe base member directed towards the secondary oscillator, said sensingelectrode permitting capacitive detection of the rotation of thesecondary oscillator about the third axis.
 6. The rotational rategyroscope according to claim 5, further comprising means for feedingback an electrical voltage detected by the least one sensing electrodeto the same in order to compensate portions of the Coriolis force actingon secondary oscillator.
 7. The rotational rate gyroscope according toclaim 6, further comprising means for applying an electrical voltage tothe at least one sensing electrode disposed on the base member forinfluencing an intrinsic frequency of the secondary oscillator.